2. Of Pining and Whining

Myriem ignored every responsibility, obligation, and commitment waiting on him and instead rushed to the barracks to find his one solace in life.

He lifted the cape of his hood when he stepped out of the palace, flowing like tears to where he knew he would find his one trusted companion.

The smell of the stables was a familiar damnation. Myriem stood at the entrance to the horse quarters, unwilling to step in himself if unnecessary.

"Darien," Myriem called out at the door of the stables. The stable boy, brushing a horse nearby, saw him, bowed perfunctorily at the prince, and rang a bell.

Darien emerged from the depths of the stable within two breaths. "The hell do you want? Even if you don't have work to do, I do," Darien approached, annoyed.

The stable boy kept quiet. He had seen it many a times, but Darien's lack of decorum with the Third Prince never failed to make his heart jump in fright.

"Darien," Myriem sobbed pitifully, reaching out for the comforting feel of the Darien's muscled chest. Darien swatted his hands away as if he was a pest, so Myriem clutched at his cape instead. "Darien, I'm being treated like cattle."

"I'll treat you like cattle," Darien threatened.

"You'll milk me?" Myriem smirked, any trace of sadness gone as he fluttered his lashes coquettishly.

"I'll slaughter you and use your blood for Fourth Prince Niman's breakfast," Darien gave him a dirty look.

Myriem pouted. He eyed the quiet stable boy, who was blending in with the horses, and straightened up. He tugged at Darien's cape and gestured to the side with his head. Darien lifted his cape hood and followed.

"So?" Darien asked when they were a suitable distance away. "Prince Niman try to poison you with parasites in your blood at breakfast again?"

"Worse," Myriem sighed.

Darien eyed the uncharacteristically melancholy Myriem. "What? Your parents gave more of your land to your Second Princess Fien?"

"No, it has nothing to do with that," Myriem refuted. He thought about it. "But fuck Fien anyways."

Darien rolled his eyes. "So what is it, drama queen?"

Myriem was silent. Darien frowned and nudged him. Myriem sighed again. "They're marrying me off."

Darien froze momentarily before turning his face away. "You're the Third Prince, how can you be married off?"

Myriem was not in the mood to joke. "Keel brought home a Siren princess, Julie Anne of Aselan. I'm marrying her by the end of the week."

Darien kept quiet. He eyed Myriem discreetly. "Could be worse," he commented vaguely, wanting to know Myriem's true thoughts on the matter.

Myriem was a devil, Darien knew that well himself. With all his trickery, smarts, and reputation, how could he accept the marriage if he was truly unwilling?

Darien hid his darkening face. Even he had heard of the Siren's beauty.

Myriem shrugged, feeling the sting of the sun where the tip of his nose was exposed. "I had Keel sent to the border specifically to bring back an alliance. You know of how the Fey have been moving the Weres closer to our south border. Father is wary. The Conference of the Two Seas is not long away. Having the Sirens is crucial to the success of my Two Seas Alliance proposal."

Darien held his tongue. He was not an expert in the foreign affairs of the country, but he had learned from a lifetime of being by Myriem's side. He knew well of Myriem's Two Seas Alliance. It was Myriem's ticket to the throne. If he could unite all countries on this end of the Two Seas in such an alliance, he would undoubtedly have the leverage to become the Crowned Prince, especially with his mother as the current Queen. Keel would have no chance after that.

Darien was not indifferent to Myriem's goals. He understood the significance - not just for Myriem, but for their Lee Country, and all surrounding nations. It was a matter greater than one or two man's feelings, but Darien heart and brain were at odds.

But he was not okay with Myriem using himself as a pawn. Not like that.

"So the marriage is worth it?" Darien asked, keeping the bitterness from his tone.

Myriem was resigned. "I need the Sirens, Darien. I don't want this, but what other option do I have?" He looked at Darien.

Darien stared at Myriem's shadowed face, feeling his chest squeeze in anger. Myriem's eyes were pleading, but Darien schooled his features, displaying no weakness.

Myriem took a half step closer, wanting to reach out and touch Darien, but stopped himself, knowing how skittish Darien was.

Myriem truly didn't want the marriage. Darien knew that. And Myriem knew how incensed Darien was, how he was trying to pretend he didn't care.

Myriem didn't know, however, if Darien knew how much Myriem wanted him. He could only silently plead for Darien to understand, but Darien turned his face away.

"I have to feed the horses," Darien said stiffly, turning back to the stables.

Myriem shoulders slumped, but he was silent as he watched Darien retreat to the stables, cape fluttering in the wind behind his solitary figure. Darien needed time, he understood. It didn't stop either of their hearts from squeezing painfully as he walked away.